1998 Outback for sale (Ohio): Needs work

[MarkCOL]

I am the original owner of this 1998 Outback. It has about 149k miles on the odometer. Compression in cylinders 1 and 3 (passenger side) is poor, and so we suspect the valves or rods are bent. Cylinders 2 and 4 are fine. I do not have the time nor all of the tools to dig into the engine and repair it myself. In case a nearby Subaru enthusiast (I am in Columbus) is interested in doing so, I thought I would post the car for sale here. Name a fair price and it is yours. It has been a great car, and I miss driving it, but the cost for a repair shop to do the work is just too high. There are no other problems I know of. Timing belt was replaced last October, which had failed and probably caused the current problem. 

A bit of history of the vehicle: For  most of its life, the wagon went from the garage at home to the garage at work, so the interior and the exterior are in good shape. The leather seats are in good condition. There are no tears, even on the driver's side, which is the only seat that shows wear. Except for a 2-inch crack near one of the air vents, the dash and console are in similarly good condition. Rust along the lower sides of the car is present but minimal.

[3Pin]

For $250, I have a 95 2.2  in Milwaukee that would be perfect swap for your car.   You can also source 2.2's via car-part.com.  as well, but they are pretty high mile and cost in your area.  Any swap, you should just do HG, timing and seals etc, but it would keep your car on the road longer and it should not be too costly.  That is too nice a car to junk for sure.

 

[3Pin]

You can even sell you engine to someone else that may want to repair it.   and some will say fix it and put it back in as it is pretty low miles.  

[lmdew]

2.2 swap!  On the 2.2 if it's a good engine I've never done the HG.  Just TB and seals, drop it in.

[3Pin]

This one needs a head gasket.  I usually do them while they are out.  The parts are less than the 2.5 DOHC too.

[MarkCOL]

Sorry for my slow reply, but notifications were not working as expected. I discussed swapping out the engine with a friend who has more experience than me. We are just not experienced enough to take on such a job. Thanks for the input, 3Pin. I appreciate it. It is a great car. I have never been so attached to a car, but it is time to let someone else enjoy it. I have all repair records.